bit by bit, adv.
in a gradual manner
<adv.all> freq. cnt.: 26 freq. cnt.: 23 freq. cnt.: 3
bit by bit gradually step by step
sample sentences
"the snake moved gradually toward its victim"
lexical pointers
derived from/pertains to
a little bit at a time
<adv.all>
bit by bit in stages little by little piecemeal